Muscle strengthening device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for strengthening hand, wrist, forearm, and shoulder muscles, thereby increasing performance and reducing the risk of injury in sports that utilize a swinging motion, such as golf, tennis, or baseball. The apparatus is also used to rehabilitate injured muscles and connective tissue in the wrist, forearm, and shoulder. The apparatus consists of two cam assemblies connected to a extensible support that has an adjustable height. The cam assemblies are adjustable relative to the coronal plane of the player&#39;s body and each comprises a support, a rotatable cam, a handle, and a resistive band. Each handle is adjustable relative to the sagittal plane of the player&#39;s body. The ability to adjust the apparatus in three planes means that a player is able to focus on the development of sport-specific muscles by adjusting the apparatus to mimic the swing used for a particular sport.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an exercise apparatus for strengtheningmuscles. Specifically, the invention relates to an exercise apparatusthat strengthens the user's forearm and wrist muscles, thereby improvingthe user's swing in sports that utilize a swinging motion, such as golf,tennis or baseball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many athletes who participate in sports such as golf, tennis, orbaseball wish to increase the power of their swing. The prior art hasrecognized the importance of muscle strengthening to achieve this goal,and there are a number of exercising devices known in the prior art thatare devoted to strengthening the muscles used in a swinging motion. Noneof these devices, however, have become widely used.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,013 to Wolf shows an “apparatus . . . directedtowards improving the strength and endurance of the muscles of the axialskeleton and lower extremities while instilling proper swing dynamics.”Col. 3, lines 26-29. “[T]he user stands on support base 10 with theextensible support attachment 8 across his/her shoulders, with his/herhands gripping the extensible support attachment, and with the axialextensible support 6 thus supported by his/her shoulders and arms. Whilepositioned in this manner, the user simulates the body movements of agolf stroke. The attachment assembly 8 facilitates rotation about thefirst rotational axis 2 and the second rotational axis 4 of the hips andshoulders, respectively, of the exerciser/golfer.” Col. 3, lines 33-41.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,184 B2 to Kim teaches a swing exerciser that has ahandle 10, a slotted track 20, and a resistance cord 15 extendingbetween the handle 10 and a pulley 35 that moves along the track 20 asthe swing proceeds. “Pulley 35 starts at the top of track 20 . . . atthe beginning of a swing exercise and moves to the bottom of track 20 asthe swing approaches the hitting region . . . . This movement of pulley35 down track 20 is resisted so that the exerciser has to apply force tohandle 10 to overcome the resistance and thereby exercise and strengthenthe muscles used in executing the swing.” Col. 2, lines 52-59.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,925 to Kock and Schuster discloses two mechanisms,one for handgripping and one for forearm twisting and wrist casting. Themechanism for handgripping “utilizes an extension spring connected viacable to a pivoting arm with a gripping handle. Squeezing this movablehandle against a parallel fixed handle causes the cable to stretch theextension spring which thereby provides the resistance force.” Col. 3,lines 26-30. The tension on the cable and the gripping stroke length areadjustable. The mechanism for forearm twisting and wrist casting uses a“friction disk to provide torsional resistance. The fixed handle of thegripping mechanism serves as the handle for the twisting and castingmotions. The entire handle system rotates about the axis of the grippingmechanism cable . . . . This arrangement permits the simultaneousoperation of the gripping mechanism and the rotatable friction diskmechanism during certain exercises,” Col. 3, lines 42-50, and “simulatesa casting motion . . . [that is used] in tennis strokes, golf swings andthe like.” Col. 6, lines 1-3.

The present invention is an improvement over the prior art because itpermits adjustment in three planes, and therefore adjusts to each user'sparticular height, arm length, and torso length, as well as each user'sindividual stance for a given sport. The ability to adjust the apparatusin three planes means that a user is able to focus on the development ofsport-specific muscles by adjusting the apparatus to mimic the swingused for a particular sport. Specifically, the invention mimics theswinging motion involved in sports such as golf, tennis, or baseball byrotating the hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders, therebystrengthening the muscles used in the swinging motion and increasing thepower of the user's swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a novel exercise apparatus that strengthens andenhances neuromuscular coordination and performance by mimicking thespecific positions used in various sports, particularly, but not limitedto, those sports that require the use of clubs, racquets, or bats.Specifically, the apparatus focuses on strengthening the forearm andwrist muscles. The apparatus adjusts to the user's height and is alsoadjustable in the coronal and sagittal planes so as to permit use in awide variety of stance positions.

The present exercise apparatus comprises a extensible support, a firstcam assembly, and a second cam assembly. The extensible support has adistal end and a proximal end. The height of the extensible support isadjustable to accommodate the user's height. The first and second camassemblies are adjustably connected to the proximal end of theextensible support such that the orientation of the assemblies isadjustable relative to a sagittal plane of the user's body so as toaccommodate a position of the user's arms in a specific sports stance.The first and second cam assemblies each comprise a support, a cam, ahandle, and a resistive band. Each support is connected to the proximalend of the extensible support. The supports are substantially spacedapart from each other. Each cam is rotatably connected to thecorresponding support and rotates in a first direction. Each handle isadjustably connected to the corresponding cam so that the handle can beadjusted relative to the coronal plane or frontal plane of the body. Theadjustable handle permits the exercise equipment to be used for muscletraining for a variety of sports by enabling the user to approximate theorientation of the hands used to grip a particular piece of sportsequipment, such as a club, bat, or racquet. Each resistive band isconnected to the corresponding cam and is tensioned in the firstdirection. In an embodiment, the resistive bands are of equalresistance. In another embodiment, the resistive bands areinterchangeable with additional pairs of resistive bands of eithergreater or lesser resistance.

In an embodiment, the first and second cam assembly each furthercomprise a pair of anchors and a pair of locking mechanisms. A firstmember of each anchor pair is attached to the cam and a second member ofthe anchor pair is attached to a distal end of the support. A firstlocking mechanism is attached to a first end of the resistive band and asecond locking mechanism is attached to a second end of the resistiveband. The first locking mechanism lockably engages the first anchormember and the second locking mechanism lockably engages the secondanchor member. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second lockingmechanisms are a first and second plastic spool, each spool having ahole in a center through which an end of the resistive band is inserted.The extensible support of the first spool lockably engages the firstanchor member by sliding into an opening in the first anchor member. Theextensible support of the second spool lockably engages the secondanchor member by sliding into an opening in the second anchor member.The resistive bands are of a length such that when the first and thesecond locking mechanisms lockably engage the first and the secondanchor members, respectively, the resistive band is taut.

In an embodiment, the distal end of the extensible support is attachedto a base, the base having a plurality of levelers on a bottom surface.A top surface of the base is made of a non-slip material.

In other embodiments, the height of the extensible support is adjustedby a skewer having a quick-release lever on an end.

In another embodiment, the first and the second cam assemblies areadjustable as a single unit. A connector is attached to the proximal endof the extensible support and is positioned in between the first and thesecond supports. A bolt extends through the first support, theconnector, and the second support. A cam lock on an end of the boltallows the position of the cam assemblies to be adjusted as a singleunit in a sagittal plane.

Still in other embodiments, a first handle mount is attached to a faceof the first cam, the first handle being adjustably connected to thefirst handle mount. A second handle mount is attached to a face of thesecond cam, the second handle being adjustably connected to the secondhandle mount. The position of the handles in the handle mounts isadjustable in a coronal plane to permit the exercise equipment to beused for muscle training for a variety of sports by enabling the user toapproximate the orientation of the hands used to grip a particular pieceof sports equipment, such as a club, bat, or racquet.

And in another embodiment, a first stopping mechanism is attached to thefirst cam assembly and a second stopping mechanism is attached to thesecond cam assembly. Each stopping mechanism has two components, oneattached to the proximal end of the support and one attached to a backside of the cam. When the two components of each stopping mechanism comeinto contact with each other, the cam cannot rotate in a seconddirection.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a piece of exerciseequipment that mimics the motions of various sports, especially thosethat use clubs, racquets, or bats, thereby strengthening and enhancingneuromuscular coordination and performance.

It is another object of the invention to provide a piece of exerciseequipment that adjusts to the player's specific sports-impact position.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a piece ofexercise equipment that adjusts to the player's specific height.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a piece ofexercise equipment that increases resistance to injury of muscles,ligaments, and connective tissues used in the swinging motion bystrengthening those muscles.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a piece ofexercise equipment that rehabilitates injured muscles, ligaments, andconnective tissues that are used in the swinging motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the cam assembly units attached to a extensiblesupport.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the cam assembly units attached to aextensible support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is an exercise apparatus that strengthens andenhances neuromuscular coordination and performance by mimicking thespecific positions used in various sports, particularly those sportsthat require the use of clubs, racquets, or bats.

FIGS. 1 through 3 show the preferred embodiment of the exerciseapparatus according to the present invention. The invention comprises anextensible support 10 having a first end 14 and a second end 16, a firstcam assembly 20, and a second cam assembly 60. Cam assemblies 20 and 60are adjacent. In the preferred embodiment, second end 16 of support 10is attached to a base 120. Optionally, a plurality of levelers areattached to a bottom surface of base 120. A top surface 124 of base 120is made of a non-slip surface. In the preferred embodiment, support 10is made of two lengths of telescoping tubing and the height is adjustedby a skewer having a quick-release lever (not shown).

The first cam assembly 20 and second cam assembly 60 adjustablyconnected to first end 14 of support 10 and are adjustable relative tosagittal plane of the player's body.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that basic planes ofmovement with respect to the body are the sagittal plane and the coronalplane or frontal plane. A sagittal plane is vertical and extends fromfront to back, deriving its name from the direction of the sagittalsuture of the skull. It may also be called an anterior-posterior plane.The median sagittal plane, mid-sagittal, divides the body into right andleft halves. A coronal plane is vertical and extends from side to side,deriving its name from the direction of the coronal suture of the skull.It is also called the frontal or lateral plane, and it divides the bodyinto an anterior and posterior portion.

Cam assemblies 20 and 60 are adjustable relative to the coronal plane ofthe player's body. First cam assembly 20 comprises a cam support 22, acam 32, a handle 42, and a resistive band 52. An end of cam support 22is connected to a cross bar 90 that is in turn connected to first end 14of extensible support 10. Cam 32 is rotatably connected to cam support22 and rotates in direction 36. Handle 42 is adjustably connected to cam32 and can be adjusted relative to the coronal, frontal, or sagittalplane of the player's body. Resistive band 52 is connected to cam 32. Ina preferred embodiment, anchor 150 is attached to cam 32 and anchor 156is attached to the end 26 of cam support 22.

A locking mechanism 170 is attached to a first end 53 of resistive band52 and a second locking mechanism 176 is attached to a second end 54 ofresistive band 52. Locking mechanism 170 lockably engages anchor member150 and locking mechanism 176 lockably engages anchor member 156.Resistive band 52 is of a length and a resistance such that when lockingmechanisms 170 and 176 lockably engage anchor members 150 and 156,respectively, resistive band 52 is taut.

Second cam assembly 60 comprises a cam support 62, a cam 72, a handle82, and a resistive band 92. An end of support 62 is connected to across bar 90 that is in turn connected to the first end 14 of extensiblesupport 10. Adjustable relative to the sagittal plane of the player'sbody. Cam 72 is rotatably connected to support 62 and rotates in adirection 36. Handle 82 is adjustably connected to cam 72 and can beadjusted relative to the coronal plane of the player's body. Resistiveband 92 is connected to cam 72 and is tensioned in direction 36. In apreferred embodiment, anchor 160 is attached to cam 72 and anchor 166 isattached to the end 66 of cam support 62. A locking mechanism 180 isattached to a first end 93 of resistive band 92 and a second lockingmechanism 186 is attached to a second end 94 of resistive band 92.Locking mechanism 180 lockably engages anchor member 160 and lockingmechanism 186 lockably engages anchor member 166. Resistive band 92 isof a length and a resistance such that when locking mechanisms 180 and186 lockably engage anchor members 160 and 166, respectively, resistiveband 92 is taut.

In the preferred embodiment, locking mechanism 170, 176, 180, 186 is aplastic spool having a center hole through which end of resistive bandis inserted. A locking mechanism 170, 176, 180, 186 lockably engagesanchor member 150, 156, 160, 166 by sliding into an opening in anchormember 150.

In the preferred embodiment, the first cam assembly 20 and second camassembly 60 are adjustable in the coronal plane (relative to theplayer's body) as a single unit (now shown). A connector is attached tothe first end of extensible support and is positioned between camsupports. A bolt extends through cam support, connector, and camsupport. A cam lock on an end of bolt allows first cam assembly andsecond cam assembly to be adjusted as a single unit in a coronal plane.

Handle mounts 190, 290 are attached to a faces 33, 73 of cams 32, 72.The position of handles is adjustable in a coronal plane to permit theexercise equipment to be used for muscle training for a variety ofsports by enabling the user to approximate the orientation of the handsused to grip a particular piece of sports equipment, such as a club,racquet, or bat.

In an embodiment, the invention comprises a stopping mechanism toprevent cam 32 from rotating in a second direction. Stopping mechanism(no shown) is made up of two components, one attached to a back side ofcam, and one attached to a proximal end of support. An identicalstopping mechanism is used to prevent cam from rotating in a seconddirection.

In an embodiment, a variety of pairs of bands 52 and 92 are available,each pair having a different resistance and each band in a pair ofresistive bands being of equal resistance. Resistive bands 52 and 92 arepreassembled to have a locking mechanism on each end.

Prior to use, a user selects a pair of resistive bands 52 and 92. Theuser attaches resistive band 52 to the apparatus by inserting lockingmechanism 170 into opening 151 of anchor 150 and locking mechanism 176into opening of anchor 156. The player then attaches resistive band 92to the apparatus by inserting locking mechanism 180 into opening 161 inanchor 160 and locking mechanism 186 into opening in anchor 166. Theplayer stands on base 120 squarely facing the apparatus with kneesflexed. The player adjusts the height of extensible support 10, theposition of cam assemblies 20 and 60 in the coronal plane, and theposition of handles 42 and 82 in the sagittal plane to approximate theorientation of the hands used to grip a particular piece of sportsequipment, such as a club, racquet, or bat.

In use, the player grips handles 42 and 82 as he or she would grip theclub, racquet, or bat. For a right-handed player, handle 42 is grippedso that the palm of the left hand is on a top side 44 of handle 42, andhandle 82 is gripped so that the palm of the right hand is on a bottomside 83 of handle 82. See FIG. 8. While gripping handles 42 and 82, theplayer rotates cams 32 and 72 in direction 36 (i.e., for a right-handedplayer, the cams are rotated in a counter-clockwise direction) using acontrolled motion. Cams 32 and 72 are then rotated in direction 37 untilthe cams are in the original starting position. This process isperformed for desired number of repetitions.

Resistance of resistive bands 52, 92 can be varied and the speed ofrotation can be varied. For example, using a lighter resistance incombination with a higher speed of rotation will increase the speed ofthe swing, while using a higher resistance in combination with a smallernumber of repetitions will increase muscle strength. Finally, using alighter resistance in combination with more repetitions will increasecirculation to muscles and soft tissues, which will facilitate recoveryfrom injury.

While presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been shownand described, the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scopeof the appended claims.

1. An exercise apparatus for strengthening a user's forearm muscles,comprising: a. An extensible support having an adjustable height, saidsupport having a first end and a second end; b. a first cam assembly,said first cam assembly being adjustably connected to said first end ofsaid support, said first cam assembly comprising: c. a second camassembly, said second cam assembly being adjustably connected to saidfirst end of said support, said second cam assembly being adjacent tosaid first cam assembly, said second cam assembly comprising:
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second cam assemblies areadjustable relative to a sagittal plane of said user's body.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 which said first cam assembly further comprises i.a first cam support connected to said first end of said support; ii. afirst cam being rotatably connected to said first cam support, saidfirst cam rotating in a first direction; iii. a first handle adjustablyconnected to said first cam; and iv. a first resistive band connected tosaid first cam, said first resistive band being tensioned in said firstdirection; and
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second camassembly further comprises i. a second cam support connected to saidfirst end of said support; ii. a second cam being rotatably connected tosaid second cam support, said second cam rotating in said firstdirection; iii. a second handle adjustably connected to said second cam;and iv. a second resistive band connected to said second cam, saidsecond band being tensioned in said first direction.
 5. An apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said second end of said extensible supportis connected to a base.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5 whereinsaid base has a plurality of adjustable levelers on a bottom surface. 7.An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein a top surface of said base isa non-slip material.
 8. An apparatus according to claims 3 or 4 whereinsaid first and said second resistive bands are lengths of resilienttubing.
 9. An apparatus according to claims 3 or 4 wherein said firstand said second resistive bands are of equal resistance.
 10. Anapparatus according to claims 3 or 4 further comprising: a. a firstanchor member mounted to said first cam; b. a second anchor membermounted to said first cam support; c. a first locking mechanism attachedto a first end of said first length of resistive band, said firstlocking mechanism lockably engaging said first anchor member; d. asecond locking mechanism attached to a second end of said first lengthof resistive band, said second locking mechanism lockably engaging saidsecond anchor member; e. a third anchor member mounted to said secondcam; f. a fourth anchor member mounted to said second cam support; g. athird locking mechanism attached to a first end of said second length ofresistive band, said third locking mechanism lockably engaging saidthird anchor member; and h. a fourth locking mechanism attached to asecond end of said second length of resistive band, said fourth lockingmechanism lockably engaging said fourth anchor member.
 11. An apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said extensible support is a pair oflengths of telescoping tubes.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1further comprising a means for adjusting said height of said extensiblesupport, said means being a skewer with a quick-release lever on an end.13. An apparatus according to claims 3 or 4 further comprising: a. afirst handle mount being attached to a face of said first cam, saidfirst handle being adjustably connected to said first handle mount; andb. a second handle mount being attached to a face of said second cam,said second handle being adjustably connected to said second handlemount.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said first handleis attached to said first handle mount by a first skewer having aquick-release lever on an end and said second handle is attached to saidsecond handle by a second skewer having a quick-release lever on an end.15. An apparatus according to claims 3 or 4 further comprising: a. afirst stopping mechanism having a first component and a secondcomponent, said first component of said first stopping mechanismattached to said first end of said first cam support and said secondcomponent of said first stopping mechanism attached to a back side ofsaid first cam; and b. a second stopping mechanism having a firstcomponent and a second component, said first component of said secondstopping mechanism attached to said first end of said second cam supportand said second component of said second stopping mechanism attached toa back side of said second cam.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid handles are adjustable relative to the coronal plane of said user'sbody.
 17. The apparatus of claims 3 or 4 wherein said first and secondcam supports are adjustable relative to the sagittal plane of the user'sbody.